cover image If It’s Not Right, Go Left: Practical and Inspirational Lessons to Move You in a Positive Direction

If It’s Not Right, Go Left: Practical and Inspirational Lessons to Move You in a Positive Direction

Kristen Glosserman. Collective Book Studio, $24.95 (160p) ISBN 978-1-95141-217-3

Life coach Glosserman draws on her experiences working through grief and helping others do the same for this simplistic guide. Glosserman’s first lesson teaches that one is in control of how to react to events, and suggests that obstacles should be reconceptualized as goals to be achieved via small steps. Other lessons build on this notion. For instance, Glosserman recommends focusing on what is working in one’s life when trauma strikes, honoring personal or family traditions to rebuild confidence, and “living directionally” by establishing and working toward goals. The life lesson of the title is used to help those who feel lost or blocked to move forward, while “Life Lesson 9: Stop Wine-ing” focuses on gaining control of one’s alcohol consumption—rather than insisting readers cut out alcohol completely, Glosserman’s strategy involves cutting down by using alternatives such drinking water from wine glasses, indulging in fragrant cups of tea, or journaling. Nothing here is especially groundbreaking, but those who find themselves in a rut may appreciate the nudges. (Sept.)